FLINT, Michigan — Gov. Rick Snyder today appointed the eight-member review team that will examine the city of Flint's finances under the newly amended and controversial emergency financial manager law.

Snyder wants the team to report back to him in half the time allowed under the law. Review teams are given 60 days, but Snyder has asked Flint's financial review team to report its
findings within 30 days, Snyder spokeswoman Sara Wurfel said.

"He does want it sooner," she said. "That was on the recommendation from the state treasurer."

The team includes two former Flint officials — former City Administrator Darnell Earley and former state Sen. Bob Emerson.

Appointing the team is the next step in the review process after a preliminary look by the state treasury department found “probable financial stress” as a result of several issues, including a structural deficit, recurring cash shortfalls and a failure to follow its state-approved deficit elimination plans.

Flint is the first city to undergo the review process since the law, Public Act 4 of 2011, was amended and signed by the governor in March.

“Our overarching goal is to work collaboratively with local officials and hopefully avoid the need for an emergency manager,” Snyder said in a statement. “This group of eight has the necessary skills, background and expertise to ensure a detailed, thorough and fair review as quickly as possible.”

The members of the review team, as listed in a news release from the treasury department, are:

Roger Fraser, deputy state treasurer (state treasurer’s designee)

Fraser has 40 years of local government management experience, including serving as city administrator of Ann Arbor. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a master's in public administration in municipal management from Western Michigan University.

Doug Ringler, director of the Office of Internal Audit Services in the Department of Technology, Management and Budget (state budget director’s designee)

Ringler is the chief audit executive and director DTMB’s Office of Internal Audit Services, where he’s served since 2008. He previously worked in the state’s Office of Financial Management and Office of Auditor General. He received a bachelor’s degree in from Ferris State University. He is a certified public accountant and certified internal auditor.

Laura Argyle, vice president of finance and chief financial officer for the Midland Center for the Arts (nominee of the Speaker of the House of Representatives)

Argyle has served in a financial leadership role for the Midland Center for the Arts for the last eight years. Before that, she was the controller of Duro-Last Roofing in Saginaw and an accountant and manager for Deloitte & Touche. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Michigan University, and is a certified public accountant.

Gene Dennis, former president and CEO of Universal Systems (nominee of Senate Majority Leader)

Dennis retired from Universal Systems in Flint, an electrical construction services and automation control solutions company, after serving as president and CEO from 1978-2003. He has also served as the president of Flint Focus Counsel, and as a board member of the Flint Chamber of Commerce, the University of Michigan-Flint School of Health Professions Advisory Board and the Mott Children’s Health Center. He received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan and is a registered professional engineer in Michigan.

Earley has served as city manager in Saginaw since 2006. Before that he was the deputy Saginaw city manager and interim finance director. He’s also served as the city administrator of Flint, deputy county controller and budget director for Ingham County, director of research and public policy for Michigan House of Representatives and other local government roles. He received a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University and a master's in public administration from Western Michigan University.

Robert L. Emerson, former state budget director (representing persons with relevant professional experience)

Emerson, former state budget director and Flint legislator in both the House and Senate for 26 years, now serves as an associate with McAlvey, Merchant and Associates in Lansing. He attended both Wayne State University and the University of Michigan-Flint.

Brom Stibitz, senior policy adviser in the Michigan Department of Treasury (representing state officials with relevant professional experience)

Before his senior policy advisory role, Stibitz worked as legislative director for House Speaker Andy Dillon and as appropriations coordinator and policy analyst for the House of Representatives. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Kalamazoo College and his MPA in state and local government from Northern Michigan University.

Fred Headen, director of the Michigan Department of Treasury’s Local Government Services Bureau (representing state officials with relevant professional experience).

Headen has served with the Local Government Services Bureau position since 1997. Before that, he was acting chair of the State Tax Commission and worked as legal counsel for the Citizens Research Council. He received a bachelor’s degree in political philosophy and a master’s degree in labor and industrial relations both from Michigan State University, and a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing. He has participated in 10 review teams (five appointments by Gov. Engler, five by Gov. Granholm).